Monday, May 5th, 2014

The need to be able to stop the run out of nickel and dime defensive packages to match up with spread offensive formations has put the safety position in high demand. Having a safety who can come up and play near the line of scrimmage, but also has the range and instincts to play in single-high looks, goes a long way in being able to field an aggressive defensive scheme.

Two prospects in the 2014 NFL draft in particular offer the ability to perform well in both area, and they received first-round grades as a result.